What do President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Jose Maria Olazabal, Christy O’Connor and Lanny Wadkins have in common? These men are the 2009 inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame!
President Eisenhower, selected through the Lifetime Achievement Category, will be the first President inducted into the Hall of Fame. Eisenhower will be recognized not only for his love of the game, but also for popularizing and growing the sport at the end of the 1900s.
Selected through the International Ballot and the second Spaniard in the Hall of Fame, Olazabal is a two-time Masters Champion. Olazabal was chosen on 56 percent of the 91 percent returned International Ballots.
The wildly popular O’Connor, aka “Himself”, was elected for the Veteran’s Category. He will enter the Hall of Fame as the second Irishman, right behind Joe Carr in 2007. O’Connor holds many records, including the Irish record for most appearances in the World Cup with 15 and the only Irishman to win the Harry Vardon Trophy award twice.
Wadkins, a 21- time PGA Tour winner will represent the PGA Tour Ballot. Wadkins, known as a very competitive player, will be recognized for his success on the Tour and for his time spent as a lead analyst on CBS.
The Induction Ceremony will be held November 2, 2009 on the outdoor stage right beside the Hall of Fame. The ceremony is free and open to the public. You can easily find more information on the event, the 2009 inductees and book your Induction Package online. Come out to help cheer on the 2009 inductees as they’re welcomed by fellow Hall of Fame members!